Facebook Group: I'm currently a part of a small army of volunteers sewing face masks for our community and local healthcare workers. Due to n95 mask shortages, these masks are designed to be worn on top of PPE to help prolong the lifespan. We have also been searching for additional ways to provide filters for these masks and came across this idea. So In this video I'm going to show you how turn very specific types of Furnace filters into filter inserts for fabric facemasks.
FILTER TYPE:
3M Filtrete Filters- Rated for at least MERV13 - MUST BE 'Allergen, Bacteria, & Virus' - 1900 or 2200.
In the 3M brand:- Advanced Allergen’ (Purple)- Elite Allergen’ (Blue)
According to 3M
MPR 3M ratings for Microparticle Performance rating rates microns from .3 - 1 micron. These will not filter COVID19 but will still work as an additional filtration method. The material is a polymix similar to what 3M makes their n95s out of.
Total Time: Approx 45 MinutesFinished Filter Insert Size: 4.5" x 5.5"
Yield: Approximately 80 filter inserts (Furnace Filter Size: 20 x 25 x 1 ) The quantity you get out of the filters depends on the starting size of the furnace filter.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED- Furnace Filter (See below rating information)- Work Gloves (leather, canvas, denim, or yardworking gloves)- A Facemask to wear while processing the filter
- Scissors
- Ruler (mark 5.5")- Ziplock bag & Marker
How to Disassemble1) Tear the cardboard away from the perimeter of the furnace filter. Do not tear up, tear out and away.2) Gently peel the wire away a little bit at a time, working horizontally across the filter. Once wire is off one side, flip filter and repeat for the other side. Discard wired.3) Cut the glue pieces off the ends and set aside the 'scrap pieces'.4) Cut strips that are at least 6 segments/pleats wide (you want the pleats to be horizontal) (This will be approximately 4.5" wide)5) Cut the glue off the ends.6) Get your ruler out and lay it on the table. Cut the pleated strips into 5.5 inch strips. (You can cut 2 at a time if your scissors will handle it)7) Write the date and filter quantity on your ziplock bag. Place filters in bag8) Process the scraps. Cut off as much glue as possible. Bag them in a ziplock bag labeled 'scraps'
Music Credit: "Sir William of the Road" by Hollow Down |
---- About my Facebook Group ---
Welcome to the group. This group is to help organize individuals who are MAKING homemade masks for the greater Peoria, IL area. It is also to provide a location for those in NEED OF MASKS to reach out to Makers.
DISCLAIMER
For our Healthcare professionals: We know that these Masks are not n95 complaint, and we do not intend that these masks replace proper PPE (nor would we suggest it). However, the CDC has put out guidelines for homemade masks as a "Crisis Capacity Strategy" when supply runs short. Recently the CDC has put out two homemade face mask templates working in conjunction with both the Deaconnes Health System (Evansville, IN) and UnityPoint Hospital (Cedar Rapids). (See links below in MASK TYPES section)
BETTER TOGETHER
This has all happened very quickly. There is a very large need within our community in order to protect those who are protecting us. We will try to organize as best we can as we go. Please be patient and kind to one another. Let's come out of this better together.
MASK TYPES:
1) Base Masks by CDC & Deaconness Health Systems (Evansville, IN) - New Makers / Novice Makers
Video:
PDF:
2) FILTER MASKS by CDC & Unity Point Hospital (Cedar Rapids) - The Olson Mask - Experienced Makers
- These masks are more complicated to make. Please try to reserve this masks for HEALTHCARE workers at this time -
Video:
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